Acoustica Pianissimo Virtual Grand Piano Review

I searched for a long time for an affordable Piano software program. Not only is this affordable, but it has the best real piano tones that I have heard from any keyboard software. Absynth can't touch it. No it's not a soft synth. It's a soft grand piano. You can run it as a standalone (I use it with an M-audio 61es) and it will record two tracks which is a nice feature or you can use it as a VST plugin. It's very versatile. The program doesn't actually come on the disk. You are paying for the code key. Download the demo from Acoustica's site and activate it with your ser #. At least that's what I had to do. I love it. It's well worth the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acoustica Pianissimo Virtual Grand Piano

Product Description:
Acoustica's Pianissimo is a virtual instrument that uses a combination of sample playback and advanced physical modeling to create a stunning acoustic grand piano sound. Starting with 250MB of high quality samples of a Steinway Model D grand piano, the Pianissimo plug-in uses complex signal processing and programming to recreate the warmth, response, and playability of a real grand piano. This natural sound is then paired with a professional studio-quality reverb algorithm to add the depth and ambiance of a true acoustic space. Add in modeled sympathetic resonance, incidental mechanical hammer sounds, remarkable control over tone and velocity response, 256 voices of polyphony, and incredibly low CPU usage, and Pianissimo might just be the best sounding, most playable virtual piano you've experienced.The VSTi plug-in will operate in any DAW with support for virtual instruments in the VSTi format, including Mixcraft. The standalone version supports any MIDI device, and any WAV, ASIO, or WaveRT device. It allows for two-track recording, loading, and saving of standard MIDI Type 1 files, and supports mixing down to WAV, MP3, WMA, and Ogg Vorbis files.

Buy cheap Acoustica Pianissimo Virtual Grand Piano now

Piano Wizard for PC With 49E Keystation Review

Be aware, before buying this product, that the Piano Wizard software is not compatible with at least two widely available models of Yamaha keyboards. The company does not specify this on their website but admitted it in an email when my system did not work. I had to buy a different keyboard.Check with the Piano Wizard company before investing in a keyboard.

The kids are having fun with it, however, there is no real lesson plan of any kind and it doesn't teach you proper technique.There is zero structur in that you just pull up a song and try to hit the notes.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piano Wizard for PC With 49E Keystation

Product Description:
A fun and educational PC video game that will have you playing your piano or keyboard in virtually minutes. Turns piano practice into a game with vibrant colors, multiple game choices and instant gratification for kids.

Buy cheap Piano Wizard for PC With 49E Keystation now

Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2 [Plastic Comb] Review

I have taught from this book this year and also used the first edition for several years.This is a good book with lots to recommend it to the teacher and student.The multiple-key approach dovetails very well with college theory courses.The instruction in lead sheet and figured bass harmonization is also excellent.Solo repertoire pieces have been thoughtfully integrated and offer the teacher and student plenty of choices.The only drawback I have found, from a teacher's perspective, is that the presentation of scales is, in my view, unsound.Stressing two octave scales and arpeggios at this level is much too advanced.It would be better to spread the presentation of scales out more (one per week after they are first introduced) and require only one octave.Of course, a good teacher can adapt the scale presentation, but with so many other excellent features, I think that the authors could easily address this (maybe in the next edition).Also, since this is used as a college text, it is preferable to teach natural and melodic minor scales and fingerings too.But other than this slight quibble, I highly recommend this great book, which is useful for the entire first year of piano study.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2 [Plastic Comb]

Product Description:
Alfred's Group Piano for Adults, Book 2 is designed for non-keyboard music majors with little or no keyboard experience. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong grasp of functional skills, keyboard technique and musical styles. The text is easy to use, containing 30 units, each designed to be completed in one week.It is fully supported by CDs and MIDI disks with over 500 accompaniments.

Buy cheap Alfred's Group Piano for Adults Student Book, Bk 2 [Plastic Comb] now

Belwin Complete Adult Keyboard Course [Paperback] Review

This is a great book for beginners who are looking for simple piano instruction. It is packed with songs(more than 40). Some examples: "This Old Man", "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow", "Over The Rainbow", "Minuet" and "A Tisket, A Tasket". This book introduces the terms and methods with brief definitions, then gives you short songs sheets to practice with before applying each new method in the songs. This book is available with an additional cd (which I believe this issue does comes with it)containing all of the song peices. You can play along to it to help you get the hang of the music. There are also review pages to help you understand the notes. This book is all you really need to learn piano. (I should also add that I am a high school senior & this is the book we use in my piano class).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Belwin Complete Adult Keyboard Course [Paperback]

Product Description:
A practical, enjoyable approach to learning to play all keyboard instruments. This exceptional beginning method has sound teaching philosophies, music of all styles, strong visual reinforcements and modern technology components. Well-suited for either class or individual instruction, the method includes familiar folk songs, well-known classical themes and popular favorites. It includes theory workbook pages and writing assignments that reinforce student lessons.

Buy cheap Belwin Complete Adult Keyboard Course [Paperback] now

Soft Way to Mozart piano teaching software Review

Four years old child learning piano. She has been using the software for two weeks (two or three times a week).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Soft Way to Mozart piano teaching software

Product Description:
Soft Way to Mozart software is a set of seven computer games designed to teach beginners from 3-year-old and up how to read and play music, and support practice of beginners and advanced students. Some of the games use the MIDI connection to an electric piano keyboard or digital piano for interactive support and control of student's playing. This teaching software may be used for home practice and self-teaching, or in music studios or at schools.This software package differs from other software1) It really teaches how to read and play music compared to many musical toys designed for entertainment rather than for education.2) Supported by innovative teaching approach, it succeeds in teaching very beginners and children where many teaching software programs rely on the already existing skills of advanced students.Soft Mozart teaching method focuses on the most important part of music education - learning to read music. The method introduces revolutionary music score representations and special key stickers to allow any beginner, small children as well as adults, to read and play songs from the first piano lesson. The interactive learning software guides the student during piano playing, and the gradual transition to a normal music score provides the most effective and painless method of learning to read music notes. A student can choose from 52 (may be updated to 300) popular classical and folk songs that are included in the song library, listen to them, play with the right, left or both hands, and memorize them.Different learning exercises improve essential skills needed for fluent music reading and playing.All exercises are implemented in the form of colorful computer games, attractive to adults as well as toddlers. Total interactivity and visual hints provide a comfortable environment during music activities, playing songs as well as exercises.

Buy cheap Soft Way to Mozart piano teaching software now

eMedia Piano & Keyboard Basics Review

This is just the first one-third of their Piano and Keyboard Method package.It covers the basics of rhythm and reading music.If you're serious about really learning in this manner, you should probably just get the Piano and Keyboard Method version right away.If you're just dabbling and need some help learning to keep time and read music, this is a great place to start (you'll need a MIDI keyboard to get the most out of it).But if you already have a good sence of rhythm and know the basics of reading music, this wont offer too much.

Click Here to see more reviews about: eMedia Piano & Keyboard Basics

Product Description:
eMedia Piano and Keyboard Basics CD-ROM offers everything you need to learn how to play. Learn from over 100 step-by-step lessons with full-motion video demonstrations. Piano teacher Irma Justicia has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music. Learn from either the music notation or an animated keyboard. Songs include recorded audio, variable-speed MIDI and MIDI accompaniments. When used with a MIDI keyboard, you can get specific feedback on playing mistakes. Also includes a digital metronome and recorder.

Buy cheap eMedia Piano & Keyboard Basics now

Piano For Dummies Review

I am having a blast learning how to pay my keyboard with this software.You can see your progress and that makes me want to practice more and set goals.I wish I had this software years ago.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piano For Dummies

Product Description:
The eMedia Piano For Dummies CD-ROM offers everything you need to learn how to play. Learn from over 160 step-by-step lessons with full-motion video demonstrations. Piano teacher Irma Justicia has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music. Learn from either the music notation or an animated keyboard. Songs include recorded audio, variable-speed MIDI and MIDI accompaniments. When used with a MIDI keyboard, you can get specific feedback on playing mistakes. Also includes a digital metronome and recorder.

Buy cheap Piano For Dummies now

eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe Review

They need to update the software. Old tech, to get full screen you need to mess with desktop settings etc... It's very obvious they have not given this software any serious attention after it was released. That said it does what it's supposed to.

Ignore the single star folks; don't know what they are talking about. It doesn't matter what the songs are when you are learning to play the piano. It's all about practice so YOU THAT YOU CAN GO PLAY WHATEVER YOU WANT. If you can already read music and play the keyboard, buy the intermediate course. It's very well done, but it's all classical music.

For me, I'm self taught and play by ear. I bought this so I can get real feedback while I'm playing. So if playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Row Row Your Boat gets me there I have no problem with it. It still challenges me to read the music and master left, right hand.

Click Here to see more reviews about: eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe

Product Description:
eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe includes everything you need to learn to play with over 450 audio- and video-enhanced lessons and more than 150 songs in a variety of musical styles. You'll be playing in no time by following the animated keyboard as it displays correct fingerings as the music plays or for any note or chord you choose. When used with a MIDI controller, eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe provides specific feedback on playing mistakes, including wrong notes and rhythms. Other features include a metronome, recorder, variable-speed MIDI keyboard tracks, accompaniment tracks, and ear training exercises. eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method, included in eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe, has received top ratings and honors from PC Magazine (4.5 out of 5), Music News, MacHome (4 Apples), Clavier Magazine and American Music Teacher Magazine which called it "an impressive and thorough piano teaching program." eMedia Intermediate Piano & Keyboard Method continues your musical journey with a focus on improvisation.

Buy cheap eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Deluxe now Get 20% OFF

Piano and Keyboard Method v3 Review

I think this is a great product. It walks you through the basics through more advanced techniques and songs. It also does a great job of teaching you to read music.

It includes short videos of a person playing piano so you can see proper posture and such. Each song comes with (optional) accompaniment, which can make it funner to play (especially with the simple songs). You can also slow the songs down while learning them. The software grades your playing with a percentage score, and gives you details on your errors (if you want them).

This is a great program if youreally want to learn to play on your own.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piano and Keyboard Method v3

Product Description:

This new version of eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method offers everything you need to learn how to play! Piano instructor, Irma Irene Justicia, M.A., who has taught at the renowned Juilliard School of Music, guides you through over 300 step-by-step full-screen lessons. New Instant Feedback works with both electronic keyboards and acoustic pianos! It listens as you play melodies and shows whether you're playing correctly!


The lessons start with the basics, such as hand position, rhythm, and playing on black keys, and move on to reading music notation, sight reading, scales, and much more. Techniques are demonstrated with over 70 videos viewable in full-screen mode.


Learn songs and exercises from music notation as an animated keyboard guides you through fingerings. Songs and exercises are provided as both live-recorded audio and variable-speed MIDI tracks which let you slow the music down as needed. Colorful MIDI accompaniments help make practicing fun! You will learn over 100 popular classical, blues, pop, and rock songs, including hit songs from artists such as Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, and Elton John!


Interactive review and ear training quizzes help reinforce new concepts and develop your ear. When used with an electronic MIDI keyboard, you get Interactive Evaluation Feedback with detailed specifics on your playing, including which notes and rhythms were wrong and how to correct them. In addition, the new Note Tracker shows you what note you're playing and makes learning music notation easy. This latest version also offers fully scalable lesson screens and an option for full-screen video. Other accessories include a built-in digital metronome and a recorder. eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method is the ultimate way to learn how to play piano or keyboard!

eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method Features

Accessories include a built-in digital metronome and a recorder. Click here for a larger image

Buy cheap Piano and Keyboard Method v3 now Get 16% OFF

eMedia Learn To Play Piano & Keyboard Pack with USB Cable Review

I was reluctant to make this purchase after reading so many negative reviews; however, I am now very pleased that I went against what I believed to be my better judgment. I have been dedicating about six hours each week to this product for the last four or five months. When I began, I possessed only the most limited of knowledge with regard to sight reading, keeping time, and rhythm. I now have to admit, though I still have much to learn, that I can play the piano because of this product (although playing well will inevitably take some time). This system worked wonders for me and was much cheaper than the alternative of paying weekly for lessons, yet I must encourage you to read the following.

WARNING:
- Children should not be subjected to this product, as they might experience severe boredom if product is applied directly (some instances of secondhand boredom have been reported in children under 16 that have even come into indirect contact with this product). That is, the lessons are far from engaging and should not be expected to keep a child's attention for even one moment. This might be particularly true when the child has no actual interest in learning how to play the piano, other than appeasing mom.

- The software (and hardware) is, in fact, flakey. This being said, the software and keyboard have always worked for me, even if it did require a few additional steps from time to time. I discovered that one of the primary issues with the keyboard is that it will not work if the latest QuickTime update has not been installed. Considering the speed at which new QuickTime updates are made available, it is easy to see why this might require an update check quite frequently. At one point I also had to visit the company's website to download the latest drivers, since which time I have experienced no further issues. I have also realized that the keyboard will not communicate properly with the program if it is not turned on prior to opening the learning modules. If all else fails...rebooting has always worked.

Even with these seemingly significant drawbacks, my own results with this product prevent me from doing anything other than singing its praises. The cost/benefit ratio, in my opinion, appears to have worked out in my favor. If you are an adult that seriously (serious enough to sit through monotone instructions and no-frill lessons) wishes to learn how to play the piano, I would recommend this product. I would also recommend utilizing these modules with a (not necessarily the one provided in this bundle, although it's not terrible) MIDI controller/keyboard, as there is great benefit to be had from the controller/software interaction and feedback.

Click Here to see more reviews about: eMedia Learn To Play Piano & Keyboard Pack with USB Cable

Product Description:
Learn to Play Keyboard Bundle is a complete learning tool for developing skills with a piano or keyboard. This bundle combines the eMedia Piano & Keyboard Method CD-ROM with a high quality 49-key full-size, touch-sensitive MIDI keyboard. Hook up the keyboard to your USB port and start teaching yourself to play. The small Desktop keyboard is ideal for use on your Computer desk. Also includes Pitch bend and modulation wheels and a pedal port. Learn To Play Keyboard CD features 250 lessons that teach sight-reading, creating accompaniments, transposition and other essential keyboard skills. Video demonstrations and interactive reviews feature 100 songs, to reinforce lessons while making them more fun. The keyboard comes with USB cable that plugs your MIDI keyboard into your PC or Macintosh computer via a USB port that also powers the keyboard. Learn To Play Keyboard CD features 250 lessons that teach sight-reading, creating accompaniments, transposition and other essential keyboard skills. Video demonstrations and interactive reviews feature 100 songs, to reinforce lessons while making them more fun.

Buy cheap eMedia Learn To Play Piano & Keyboard Pack with USB Cable now

Piano and Keyboard Method V2.0 Review

I'm a piano instructor who teaches a once a week high school keyboard class. I've started recommending Emedia to my students as a great at home piano program. As an instructor, I really like the step by step approach to the lessons. The video are very helpful in demonstrating techniques between lessons. Kids that are using the program progress a lot faster than those that don't. This is a fine program either for those that want to learn on their own or that are also taking lessons.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Piano and Keyboard Method V2.0

Product Description:
Over 300 lessons from a former Juilliard instructor. Learn to read music and play songs. Gives specific interactive feedback on your playing.

Buy cheap Piano and Keyboard Method V2.0 now